New Zealand golfer Sarah Nicholson is one step closer to a ticket into the Ladies European Tour.
Nicholson, 21, from Wellington, finished in a share of fifth place in the first stage of qualifying at Le Fonti Golf Club in Bologna, Italy, yesterday.
Nicholson, who was fifth individualat the world team championship, closed with a four-under par 68 to finish at six-under for the tournament.
She had a hot start to her final round when she eagled the par-four opening hole and added birdies at the fourth, seventh and 14th with a solitary bogey in her excellent final round.